Joseph headlines Cyber Security Summit

Farmers Bank, Ohilo Valley Bank unite to fight online threats

Staff Report

Chris Joseph

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — Farmers Bank and Ohio Valley Bank are partnering to bring the “Cyber Security Summit” to the community.

The purpose of this event is to bring consumers and local businesses up to speed on current cyber threats, as well as provide practical tips and tactics that anyone can use to protect themselves. The Cyber Security Summit is a free event and open to the public.

“Our customers are our greatest assets,” Paul Reed, president and CEO of Farmers Bank, said. “Protecting them is our most important responsibility, and we take that very seriously. The threat of cyber theft is real, but it is possible to prevent. The opportunity to bring businesses together is not only timely but very valuable for our community.”

The Cyber Security Summit will be Dec. 10. The public may attend the early session from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Ohio Valley Bank Annex, 143 Third Ave. in Gallipolis, or the late session from 6:30-8 p.m. at Farmers Bank, 640 E. Main St. in Pomeroy. No reservations required. Light refreshments will be served.

The keynote speaker for the summit will be Chris Joseph, partner in the Consulting Services Department of Arnett Carbis Toothman LLP. In addition to being a CPA, Joseph has achieved the designation of certified information systems auditor. The CISA program, sponsored by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, is the only certification program devoted exclusively to the field of IT audit, control and security. Joseph is also accredited with the distinctions of Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control and Certified Information Technology Professional.

Joseph brings to the Cyber Security Summit over 30 years of experience in several industries, including financial institutions, retail, wholesale, distributors, construction, state and local governments, nonprofit, manufacturing and health care providers. Information security professionals from Ohio Valley Bank and Farmers Bank will also share their knowledge with summit attendees.

“According to Forbes magazine, ‘Cyber-attacks are costing businesses $400 billion to $500 billion a year, and does not include the large number of cyber-attacks which are not reported.’ I thank Farmers Bank for partnering with us to make this free event a reality, and I hope everyone will take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from one of our region’s foremost tech security experts,” said Tom Wiseman, president and CEO of Ohio Valley Bank. “As a community, now is the time to make a stand and take the necessary steps to safeguard not only our community’s businesses, but our friends and neighbors against this growing threat.”

For more information on the Cyber Security Summit, contact the IT Security department at Ohio Valley Bank at (740) 446-2631, email communityfirst@ovbc.com, or Farmers Bank at (740) 992-2136.